Toyota, Mitsubishi and MG To Launch Jeep Compass Challengers In India
3 brand new SUVs coming to India to challenge Jeep Compass.
Keeping growing demand for SUVs in mind, automakers have started working on their respective SUVs to grab some shares in the highly competitive Indian market. FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobile) has decided to solely focus on the American SUV maker, Jeep to drive sales in the market. The brand’s locally developed SUV – Jeep Compass has received decent response from buyers. Now, the company is planning to enter into the sub-4 meter SUV and 7-seater premium SUV categories in the next 2-3 years.
What’s interesting is that several new brands are joining the 5-seater premium SUV category. Tata Motors has recently entered into the segment with the Harrier SUV, which has received tremendous response from buyers. This model has received over 16,000 bookings till December 2019. Launched at an aggressive price tag of Rs 12.69 lakh, the Harrier currently commands a waiting period of around 3 months.
MG Motors, owned by Chinese brand SAIC, will officially launch its first model in India in June 2019. Called the MG Hector, the 5-seater premium SUV will directly rival the Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson. This SUV is scheduled to make public debut in April 2019. It will be available with 2 engine choices – 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel – producing 162bhp and 170bhp respectively. This SUV is claimed to be equipped with several segment-leading features including largest sunroof, largest touchscreen and 360 degree surround view camera.
Interestingly, two of the Japanese brands – Mitsubishi and Toyota – with little presence in India are preparing their respective SUVs for the Indian market. Previous media reports claim that Mitsubishi is planning to launch the Eclipse SUV in India. This model is expected to be launched in the country in late 2020 or early 2021. The Mitsubishi Eclipse is expected to arrive in both petrol and diesel guise. The global model is powered by a 163bhp, 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The company is also working on the diesel model, which is expected to receive a 2.2-litre diesel engine.
Toyota is also working on an all-new Crossover MPV for the Indian market. This model will sit below the Innova Crysta in terms of pricing and dimensions. The company hasn’t revealed much about the product, but the next-gen Rush could be the one for Indian market. The new SUV will be priced between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh and will be equipped with BSVI compliant engines.
